Synology DS1825+ overview
The rollout of the new X25 models is ongoing. A few weeks ago, we saw the release of the latest version of the 4-bay NAS, the DS925+. Today, we have two more popular models: the DS1525+, a 5-bay model with 10G capability, and the new powerhouse, the DS1825+, the 8-bay version.
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Overview of the new 4-bay 2025 model, the DS925+
Luka Manestar
Overview article of the new DS1525+ 5-bay NAS
The DS1825+ is a versatile storage solution that seamlessly integrates with your existing infrastructure. It offers scalable capacity, flexible network connectivity, and robust data protection
Since it's launching simultaneously with the 5-bay model in the APAC region, we can anticipate a global rollout for both on the same date, likely by the end of the month. The DS1825+ has always been a favorite model, offering substantial value for its price, with features such as an ample number of bays, upgraded RAM, and improved networking capabilities.
Let's explore how much it has changed since its latest revision.
: Specifications
Due to its popularity, the desktop 8-bay version is typically available as either a "+" or "XS+" model. The XS+ model was refreshed during the X23 cycle. This time, we are seeing a new version of the "+" model, following its last release in 2021 with the DS1821+.
The current DS1825+ is positioned between these two revisions. It still uses the same V1500B AMD Ryzen CPU as the 2021 model but now features upgraded RAM to 8GB (with a 32GB maximum, as before), similar to the XS+ model.
Like most X25 models, the DS1825+ has undergone more internal changes that are most noticeable on the back of the unit, specifically in the port setup.
Compared to the 2021 version, the DS1825+ replaces its four 1GbE ports with two 2.5GbE ports, as well as the total number of USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports is now three (two on the back, one on the front) with one less on the back of the unit.
Alongside these LAN changes, the device's support for two expansion units has shifted from eSATA to USB-C to support the new DX525 (5-bay expansion). As before, on the far-right side of the device, there remains the same Gen3 x8 slot (x4 link) for various expansion cards, including three 10GbE cards and a single 25GbE one.
The DS1825+ also features dual M.2 NVMe slots, which can be used for caching or creating storage pools (with compatible drives). With several upgrades distinguishing it from the X21+ version and bringing it closer to the existing X23xs+ model, it's noteworthy that the DS1825+ now supports a single volume size limitation increased to 200TB (up from the standard 108TB) with upgraded RAM to 32GB.
Previously, this was an option available for the XS+ model, but it seems Synology has decided to bring this feature from the XS+ tier to the "+" version.
Ideal for businesses and creative professionals with demanding storage requirements
Priced at around €1000 (including tax), this 6 kg model offers significant value for anyone seeking a serious long-term NAS solution. Backed by a 3-year warranty (extendable to 5 years with the Synology Extended Warranty Plus), the DS1825+ is indeed a high-capacity, flexible solution for professionals and businesses alike.
: Synology and 3rd party drive support
Based on the official information that was announced on April 16th, the following changes are in effect.
Düsseldorf – April 16, 2025 – Following the success of the High-Performance series, the company is now increasingly relying on Synology’s own storage media for the Plus series models, which will be released starting in 2025. Users will thus benefit from higher performance, increased reliability, and more efficient support. “With our proprietary hard drive solution, we have already seen significant benefits for our customers in a variety of deployment scenarios,” said Chad Chiang, Managing Director of Synology GmbH and Synology UK. “By expanding our integrated ecosystem to the Plus series, we aim to provide all users—from home users to small businesses—with the highest levels of security and performance, while also offering significantly more efficient support.”
For users, this means that starting with the Plus series models released in 2025, only Synology’s own hard drives and third-party hard drives certified according to Synology’s specifications will be compatible and offer the full range of functions and support.
There will be no changes for Plus models released up to and including 2024 (excluding the XS Plus series and rack models). Furthermore, migrating hard drives from the existing Synology NAS to a new Plus model will continue to be possible without restrictions. The use of compatible and unlisted hard drives will be subject to certain restrictions in the future, such as pool creation and support for issues and failures caused by the use of incompatible storage media. Volume-wide deduplication, lifespan analysis, and automatic hard drive firmware updates will only be available for Synology hard drives in the future. Tight integration of Synology NAS systems and hard drives reduces compatibility issues and increases system reliability and performance. At the same time, firmware updates and security patches can be deployed more efficiently, ensuring a high level of data security and more efficient support for Synology customers.
This means that on day one of the release, no official 3rd-party drive will be supported unless they have passed the certification. How the certification of 3rd-party drives will go remains to be seen, but we can see that Synology drives will not be, in fact, exclusive.
For the DS1825+, Synology supports all 3.5", 2.5", and several NVMe drives. Additionally, due to recent policy changes, drives migrated from an earlier model will also function, although they may operate with limited features.
Another note to point out is that this new policy is affecting the HDD lineup of drives, not SSDs. Meaning that while 3rd party SSDs will be unverified they will still be usable.
The up-to-date 2025 policy is also explained in more detail in the Synology KB article on the following link.
Synology Inc.
A more detailed review will be provided once the device becomes available, so be sure to check here from time to time, in the near future.
